Evacuation? Don't let a little rain and a gentle breeze in the air (okay, about 4-6" and 85mph gusts) get you guys down! The reports back west thus far are pretty grim! Wish we could do an "insta message" w/Hukilauer's!!! Gimme an earthquake anytime...!
Mahaloz,
Holden

Nightmare situation for me. I flew to Florida with my Mom, she was to visit her cousin who lived in Ft Lauderdale whilst I was at Hukilau. We flew in on Thursday, got in late and turned on the old boob tube in the hotel room just in time to catch the 11 O'Clock news. They were speculating as to when, where, if the hurricane would hit land or not and my Mom panicked. I told her not to worry, we'd see what happens the following day. This morning (Friday) she turned on the news bright and early to see Jeb Bush telling everyone to batten down the hatches. I went to take a shower and when I walked out of the bathroom she informed me she had called the airline and got us a flight out in 4 hours. From my window overlooking the harbor, there wasn't even a breeze flapping the flags on the boats. I was furious. Everyone I talked to there said the news makes it worse than it really is, it's just alot of rain and wind. I was willing to literally ride the storm out, but I have no idea what will happen. They are predicting it will hit late Sat, early Sunday but it has changed course so many times they can't accurately pinpoint where or when. I hope it makes a quick right and heads out to sea.

The Fort Lauderdale / Hollywood International airport is going to shut down at 2pm today (saturday). And the city is starting a mandatory evacuation of the beaches and barrier islands now at 7am.
since I am not staying at the Bahia Mar I dont know how this will effect Hukilauers
staying there.

We got into Ft Lauderdale last night and were told immediately that we would have to evacuate at 7 am the next day (we were staying off of US 1, not at one of the Hukilau hotels). We left Ft Lauderdale at 6 am and are now back in Orlando.

We were bummed out about the Mai Kai, but we stopped in for drinks last night and they were so nice to us.....there were no tables for the dinner show so they put 2 chairs out in the dining area for us so we would have a chance to see it. The best part of the evening was when my boyfriend proposed to me in the Tiki Gardens We had 2 other amazing nights at the Mai Kai and he surprised me!

Needless to say, I'm sad about not seeing everyone or getting to buy stuff at the Bazaar, but better safe than sorry, you know

We were evacuated this morning, authorities have cordoned off the island. Gail force winds are hurling rain drops the size of half dollars in exess of over 100 miles per hour. Panic and desperation rule the streets. The high water mark is reaching dangerous new highs. Fedral agents have ruled this a disaster area. Dr. Z is reallly hungover. But,

Yet we endevor to persevere, we seek to overcome our hardship and reach the summit of Tikidom, The Hukilau. The Mai Kai has refused to close it's doors to the onslaught of the Hurricane. Kern has vowed have an all night Hurricane party at the Mai Kai. I plan to have many 151 Swizzles. Pray for me and get Z some aspirin.
Mahalo,
Al
Al

What a bummer about the evacuation this morning. Everything was so awesome at the Hukilau. The Thursday night boat ride was incredible around the "Venice of America" with delicious drinks and music. The luau last night was a blast. The late night party with mixologist Pablos FABULOUS!!! We really thought that the evacuation would be cancelled. We were hoping anyway.

At 6am with a tiny headache this morning, we called the front desk at the Bahia Mar to find out that it was a go and we had to evacuate. We never even got to say good-bye to anyone.

We were lucky because no one was on the road as we zipped up the 95 to Neptune Beach. I just hope everyone that flew in is able to get out without any problems.

Hurrican season in Florida this year has been the pits! Usually, the state gets one hurricane. Will it ever end?

I survived "the Hukilau". I had a total blast!!! I really enjoyed meeting all of the TC'ers!!! Everybody was so nice a friendly. Last night I left "the Call of the Tiki" party early enough so I could see the Mai-Kai. I am sooo glad I did!! That place is amazing. I really wished I could be there tonight, but Me and my fiance booked an emergency flight out of there at 8:00 am (we got to the airport at 4:30am), this morning before that bitch "Hurricane Jeanne" hit. We have been up all night and now we are back in California, so I am going to get some much needed rest. I will report more later. I hope everyone that stayed is safe right now!!!
Later,
Spermy

After a great time partying till nearly dawn in Al and Shelly's room, I hit the hay at 5am.
Couple of REMs later and I'm up at 8am hearing the sucking sound of people evacuating the island. We had to go somewhere and the hurricane was (and still is) headed near our place in Orlando, so we packed up and left all too soon.
Wanted to stay and spend more money in the bazaar, but was really looking forward to the MaiKai. I called to let them know I would not be there, and they said that because of the cancellations, they were madly trying to reschedule everyone to the first show. I hope someone enjoys our seats, they always put on a heck of a show.
Just got everything boarded up and have holed ourselves in. I need to drink some more rum....
_________________JonPez
http://www.playgroundzero.net/
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Here we are battened down, nailed up, picked upand ready as can be. its almost 7 o'clock and the winds are raging pretty bad already. So far I think we have had Near hurricane force Gusts, nothing sustained. The eye should hit us un the face around midnight, give or take awhile.
HukiLau was Fantastic, again, Great meeting everyone. It was a "Dream Come true" event and I couldn't have asked for more, but more would have been nice. Good luck to anyone who is still there , wishn I was too. More later if we are still powered up
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